Network Testing

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STEPS	NOTES AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
Determine what kind of Network Device it is	There are several kinds of network devices. Hubs A hub is a device that provides multiple ethernet ports for plugging in multiple wired devices into a network. From a technical standpoint, hubs are fairly simple: they take information that is received over one port and sends it back out over all the other ports. In order to work properly, a hub typically requires the existence of a device that manages and directs traffic somewhere on the network it is plugged into in order to work properly. Switches A switch is essentially a hub that can better handle more information passing through it. Like a hub, a switch needs a device that manages traffic on a network in order to work properly. Routers A router is a small computer, typically with a built-in network switch, that manages and directs traffic. A router can assign IP addresses to computers, pass their requests for information from computers to a gateway, and redirect incoming information from a gateway to a specific computer. A router itself is typically the central component of a home network. Gateways A gateway is a device that allows you to connect networking devices to the Internet. Gateways typically only allow one connection for a network device, but newer ones have built-in routers and switches. Some may also create wireless networks. A cable or DSL Modem is a type of gateway.
Determine if the Thrift Store wants it	Check the Whiteboard. In an open Firefox browser, click where the toolbar says "Whiteboard." You can also find it here: Whiteboard. This will tell you what the store does and does not want on that day. Recycle anything that they do not want. Things we don't test Firewall/VPN devices Recycle anything not needed by the store, and any of the above items which we do not test.
Pair the Network Device with Power Supply	Somewhere on the device it should give the required voltage and amperage. Once you find a matching power supply that fits, plug in the power supply and place both the device and power supply into the blue bin for network devices to be tested.
Check for Damage	If it's missing parts or visibly broken, recycle it. If there's dirt or grime wipe it down with a rag and some cleaning solution.
Check for Power On	Grab a networking device and its attached power supply from the blue tub. Plug the device into a power source. If there are power lights, make sure they come on. If there is a reset button, press it for ~30 seconds to restore default settings.
Test Networking	Connect the blue Ethernet cable attached to the computer to one port and the gray Ethernet cable labeled Das Unternet (yellow tag) into another port on the switch. For more information on Das Unternet troubleshooting, go to: Network Testing Network (Das Unternet) Open FireFox and click the Drydock icon on the far left of the bookmarks bar at the top. If the connection is good, you will see a page that says It Works! You might need to disable wireless connect for the test to work(Uncheck Enable Wireless). Test the remaining ports the same way. Make sure to do this systematically so you know all ports have been tested at the end. If the one or two highest-numbered Ethernet ports don't work, they're most likely designed to be used to connect to another device in the network. If it is a wireless router Go to Wireless Router Testing
Final Preparation	Affix a "Tested By" sticker with your initials on the device. Place in the "Store" box. If it is the last device you're testing for the day, please clean up the testing station, putting away tools, cables and everything else.